Pakistan influencing Wani’s sympathisers, says Naidu

(IANS) Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday accused Pakistan of influencing sympathisers of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in Kashmir, and warned it of a policy rethink on Delhi’s part.

“Some people, inspired by our neighbour, are trying to create disturbances. This is not going to help,” the minister said.

“India is willing to work with Pakistan and would like to have friendship with the country. But if Pakistan continues to do such things, the (Indian) government has to think about its own policy. Pakistan should give up such tactics…,” Naidu said.

He asserted that Kashmir is an integral part of India and there is no question of any negotiation and discussion on this point.

Violence erupted in south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam and later spread to other districts in the valley after security forces killed Hizbul Mujahideen militant Wani and his two associates in Anantnag on Friday.

Wani was buried in his native Shariefabad (Tral) village on Saturday where thousands defied curfew restrictions to attend his funeral prayers.

“(Wani) was a Hizbul Mujahideen commander. How can any Indian have sympathy for such people? Really surprised to see that some people are trying to support those so-called protesters sympathising with a terrorist,” the minister said.

“Terrorism and violence are not acceptable at all in any form.”

“The Centre and the state together will tackle the situation. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir will be brought to normalcy at the earliest,” he added.

Curfew was imposed in the Kashmir Valley after widespread clashes between security forces and demonstrators protesting Wani’s killing.

The toll in Kashmir Valley violence on Sunday rose to 19, with the death of four more people in continuing protests.